Remote working is actually more productive for designers
I recently made the switch to remote working at Appointy, and I immediately noticed that the amount of work I did in a month at the office is what I can do in two weeks working from home.
Yes, that is a 125% boost in productivity (considering 180 working hours a month and 40 working hours a week). All of my work was done way before the deadline, and I was just sitting there asking for more work 🙈. It was surprising for me as well. I wondered what changed? Here are my findings
The 9–5 Deal
The typical 9 to 5 working hours schedule is not for everyone. We all have our ideas about the ideal working hours. Some are more productive in the morning; some are at night. And some, for example, me, like to take few naps in between. Everyone has different internal wiring.
Following a rigid pattern/routine every day can get dull and boring. Idea cultivation in such an environment is quite difficult. It makes you blunt and kills your creativity. And one skill which is of utmost importance for all kinds of jobs is creative thinking.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
The not so necessary detailings
Frankly speaking, remote working requires many meetings and follow-ups to stay updated on things. But it also cuts down all unnecessary detailing, empty conversations, distractions, and conferences. So you can focus on what’s more important. Why would a designer want to sit in a meeting when the discussion has shifted to the development aspects? Why should a developer be disturbed for some network related issue in the office?
The daily commute
Going around the town two times a day in massive traffic hours burns not only your car’s gas but also your energy and motivation to work. And if you are living in a metropolitan city, the constant honking or the battle fought in the metro itself tires you down before even reaching the office.
Skip the daily commute, and you will have at least an hour a day. You can spend that time building up your portfolio, making your online presence, or simply breathing in and breathing out.
Escape from the ordinary
Sometimes all you need is a fresh breath of air to get that head working. For some people, it’s inspiring to work close to nature; for some, a coffee shop might work; some might even keep traveling across the world. With remote working, you get all these opportunities.
Don’t feel like working? Watch Netflix. You might as well skip the entire day (implied you don’t have a deadline). Whatever makes you happy and keeps you motivated for coming challenges. Anything is better than just sitting in the office chair, waiting for the clock to strike 5.
Apart from this, you also get enough time to read books or take an online course without worrying about people judging you, which will indirectly boost your productivity.
Most of the tech giants like Zapier, Basecamp, Gitlab, Invision, Toptal realize this opportunity and are entirely open to remote working.
Ask me. I am never going back to the traditional way!
